CAF grapples with refereeing crisis ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Saturday 02 August 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

CAF grapples with refereeing crisis ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is under intense scrutiny after firing Noumandiez Désiré Doué, its head of refereeing, less than five months before Morocco hosts the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The move comes amid mounting pressure to address inconsistencies, bias allegations, and waning credibility in African refereeing.

Morocco’s complaint sparks action

CAF’s decision to dismiss Doué followed Morocco’s formal complaint about officiating in the Women’s AFCON final. The host nation lost 3–2 to Nigeria in a dramatic match, but controversy surrounded a disallowed penalty that deeply affected the Atlas Lionesses.

Jorge Vilda, Morocco’s head coach, described the decision as shocking and decisive. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) submitted evidence of refereeing errors, highlighting broader issues in African football officiating.

A system in crisis

Doué’s dismissal, announced during a referees’ training camp in Kenya, signals the start of what CAF insiders suggest will be sweeping reforms. Refereeing controversies have plagued women’s tournaments, youth qualifiers, and high-profile competitions like the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

CAF’s refereeing reputation, already battered, faces further challenges as questions of fairness and technical rigor dominate discussions ahead of AFCON 2025. The organization has received criticism from North African federations, particularly over allegations of regional bias and political interference.

Radical solutions under consideration

Sources close to CAF’s Executive Committee indicate that a new refereeing chief will soon be appointed. Potential candidates include Morocco’s Redouane Jiyed, Gambia’s Bakary Gassama, and Egypt’s Essam Abdel-Fattah.

The most controversial proposal, however, is the possible inclusion of foreign referees from Europe and South America for AFCON 2025. While this could enhance technical standards, it risks alienating African referees and further undermining trust in CAF’s governance.

The road to reform

CAF President Patrice Motsepe faces a critical decision: reshuffle personnel or implement structural reforms to ensure transparency, meritocracy, and independent oversight. While dismissing Doué may appear symbolic, it signals an opportunity for CAF to rebuild its refereeing framework and restore credibility.

With Morocco promising to host the most spectacular AFCON in history, CAF must act decisively to avoid further scandals that could overshadow the tournament. Whether it seizes this moment to rebuild or opts for superficial fixes will determine its future standing in global football.